Gang Starr

April 20, 2010

"The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all-time -- my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," longtime collaborator Solar said in a released statement. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius."

Guru, one half of the legendary duo Gang Starr, suffered a heart attack and fell into a coma in late February. He had what was considered "successful" surgery on March 1 and reportedly was in stable condition, but information was funneled through Solar and was not always in line with what Guru's family was saying. Some statements since February -- including a long, sometimes bitter farewell letter -- have been attributed to Guru, but it is unlikely that he ever emerged from the coma.

"He's still in a coma," Premier told the Vancouver Sun on April 8. "There have been a lot of rumors going around. I deal with his family directly, and get my updates from them. ... He's breathing, he's alive, and he's fighting to maintain."

Gang Starr's last album was released in 2003, although he and DJ Premier never officially broke up. Guru continued with solo projects, including the critically acclaimed Jazzmatazz series and an album last year.

"Guru is in a coma and will go under surgery tomorrow afternoon," Premier said.

Guru, whose real name is Keith Elam, is 43 years old. Gang Starr's last album was released in 2003, although the pair have never officially broken up. Guru continued with solo projects, including the critically acclaimed Jazzmatazz series and an album last year.

Around 7 a.m. Monday morning, Premier followed up with a message on Twitter: "Guru is getting ready for surgery, pray for the best!"

A mix of shock and get-well wishes from other MCs have been pouring in on Twitter all day.

"Tell me this isn't true!" Ice-T wrote. "That's my real homie!"

B-Real added: "Our prayers are with Guru and his family. Premier and Guru were some of our oldest friends in the game. Get well brother."

Solar, another longtime collaborator and producer for Guru's 2009 solo album, Lost & Found, released a statement on the MC's behalf on Monday at noon ET:

"Guru is struggling with a serious health issue. And we appreciate all your love and well wishes. We continue to hold out hope that Guru will make a full recovery from this. And ask that his privacy on this matter be respected. Again, thank you for all your support through this trying time."

December 16, 2008

Ever wondered what your favorite hip-hop albums would look like if they were portrayed by those little, yellow Lego men you played with as a kid? No? Me neither. But then again, I never envisioned Star Wars and Indiana Jones characters in that shade either, playing video games no less.

But you've gotta see what Format has done with some of hip-hop's classic albums. From Common and Run DMC to EPMD and Dr. Dre, to De La Soul and Gang Starr, they've got them all. Some work better than others, but all are worth a look. (Found via Cool Hunting)